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Get your videos online. Everyone else is doing it.

January 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

If you don’t have samples of your work online than you should put it up quickly.  If you aren’t putting your clients videos online than you should put it up NOW. A recent article by emarketer.com gives several compelling reasons to put your videos online.  Here are some stats they presented:

– 77 percent of the total U.S. Internet audience viewed online video.
– The average online video viewer watched 274 minutes of video.
– More than 80 percent of the 18-34 year olds watched online video, higher than any other age segment. The average 18-34 year old online video viewer watched 4.8 hours of video during the month, also ranking above all other age segments.
– 99.5 million viewers watched 5.3 billion videos on YouTube.com (53.2 videos per viewer).
– The duration of the average online video was 3.0 minutes.

One great way to get your videos online to a lot of sites at once is to use tubemogul.com.  It allows you to upload the same video to over 20 sites at once.  The more your content is out there, the more people will view it.  If you put a commercial you did for a local television station, or a wedding video or a promotional video, than put it online and track who is watching these videos.  If you want to market to a niche in your area and have the stats to back up your product, then you will get a lot of business.  You can impress a company by proving that 5000 people viewed your video in 2008.  They will want to continue to make videos with you as you are helping drive traffic to their website and/or storefront but having info at the closing of each video.

Go ahead…give it a try.  People are continuously going online to consume content and video is the natural means.

Filed Under: Video business Tagged With: , , ,
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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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3 ways to get more business

December 23, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Since Christmas is almost here and you’re probably thinking about 2009 and beyond, I thought I would give you some tips on how to get more business.  My biggest mistake when I started in the video production field was to expect people to ask for my services without networking and getting my name out there.

Here are 3 ways you can get more business in 2009

1)  Make networking work for you:  Don’t just go to a chamber of commerce meeting.  Talk to everyone there and listen.  Ask what they do find out what service they provide.  Most companies still need to market themselves and video is a great way to do this.  When they ask you what you do, make sure to craft your speech around what they just said.  Example: if they are a training center that hold both customer service training and also conducts training on site, tell them you create videos of training sessions that can consistently have the exact same message to each viewer.  No longer will each training session be a crap shoot as to the content but you can create a video with a consistent message to everyone watching.  When they go on site to train, they can bring a video that shows the viewer what words alone cannot convey.

See how easy that was.  You just have to listen to the person talk and tell them how video could benefit their line of work. If you are only in the wedding video business, then ask them if they know anyone getting married or in the wedding industry that could pass your name and services along.  The more people you know, the more they can pass work to you.

2)  Get involved in blogs, podcasts, twitter, websites and other industry leaders in the video production field.  I have gotten several jobs by helping other people get what they want.  Zig Ziglar said, “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want”.  Post thoughts on this site and get involved in the discussion.  Offer your services on Twitter or other sites.  Do a Google search on topics you want to get more work (corporate, weddings, travel, etc) and get involved with the content.

3)  Partnerships.  Find other people in parallel fields and get to know them.  Contact photographers, web designers, graphic designers, printers, rental houses, marketing firms, CPA’s, lawyers, chamber of commences, and even other videographers.  The more you can partner with these key industries, the more they may pass work on to you, hire you or work with you projects.  Many people don’t think of CPA’s and lawyers, but they have a broad client base and might be able to pass your info to them (approach this vary carefully as most CPA’s and lawyers are very guarded with their clients).

The key for all these ideas is to get your name out their.  If you are shy and don’t like to socialize, then find a way to get clients online or have people pass work on to you.  This may be a bit challenging, but if you work hard enough, then you can find a lot of work coming your way.

Best of luck and tell me what you think.  And Merry Christmas


Filed Under: Video business Tagged With: ,
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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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The best way to manage your money….for free

November 26, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Since tax season is quickly approaching and getting your receipts together is always a blast (insert sarcasm here) I thought I would share an easy way to track your spending and see where your profits are coming from.

For the past year, I’ve been looking for budget programs and programs that track your spending.  I want this both for my personal/family finances as well as my company expenses and earnings.  A few months ago I went out and bought the typical budget software you can find at any Staples or Best Buy.  I won’t mention it but if you ask 10 people, about 8 of them will mention this program.  It has great referrals but when I tried to use it, I found that is was anything but user friendly.  I couldn’t add sources of income or various expenses I regularly have but had to follow their strict idea of a typical user that has a typical j.o.b.  Sadly, I had paid about $70 on this program and could see it was not for me.  I wanted a program that was adaptable to my various streams of income through my video production company, my freelance work and my ebooks/consulting work.  I downloaded scores of trials and found some programs that were decent but…THEN, I found my solution.

I don’t even know where or how I found this site but it’s AMAZING.  You can use it for just personal/family use or just business use OR BOTH!  It is fully customizable and best of all it’s FREE!

Let’s look at using it to track your business expenses and profits for your taxes.

First, import your various accounts.  I would recommend starting a separate banking account and credit card account for your business spending.  This will help with record keeping as well as keeping you nice and legal.  The Feds don’t like it when you mingle your personal and business expenses together.  Then, once you import your accounts, Mint.com will download your business purchases and for how much.  You can then categorize each purchase into anything you like.  They have categories set up but you can make your own if you want…and making your own is very easy.  Talk to your accountant or CPA to see what categories the IRS looks for and what you can deduct.  To read a great post on 10 deductions to keep in mind, click on this link at the bottom of this post.

Tracking your categories is easy and let’s you look at each month or year to see what you spend your money on.  Remember, your top priority is to keep more money than you spend, Mint.com will show you if you are spending all your profits on a new monitor, laptop, HD camera, etc.  Set goals for yourself that you won’t buy a new monitor until you have brought in $3000 this month (or whatever fits into your budget).  Mint.com shows me how I use my money within my company and lets me track it easily.  Most people will use it only to track personal/family spending, but I think it’s a great way to track your business expenses.  Since it records each purchase, you don’t have to worry as much about recording each receipt and having a huge shoebox full of them at the end of the year that you have to read line by line.  Please keep in mind that you still need to keep all your receipts for at least 7 years so don’t throw them away.

If you are unclear about what categories to make and what percentage gets deducted, go to any bookstore and pick up a tax book and look through it (quite the exciting topic, I know!).  When I was first starting out, I went to a bookstore, grabbed a few tax books and got familiar with what is deductible and the percentage the government gives you.

I haven’t found a better program that:  tracks your spending, is easily customizable, adaptable to various sources of income, helps with saving your money, pays bills online, shows your income and expenses in a handy dandy pie chart (did someone mention pie?) and is FREE!  Try out Mint.com or various other programs and let me know what you think.  The best way to track your money and see where it’s going it by having some sort of budget.

http://freelancefolder.com/keep-for-freelance-taxes/

Filed Under: Video business Tagged With: , , ,
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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

______________________________________________________________

Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

________________________________________________________________________

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How to act when you’re the boss or freelancer

November 23, 2008 By Leave a Comment

In the past 2 weeks, I’ve come across the same scenario and each time I was shocked and taken back.  I not only film weddings but also work with companies of various sizes and create custom videos for them.  This occasionally lets me work with creative freelancers.  Most of the time, it has been a good experience but these last 2 interactions has made me think.

Each time, I have hired them for a project that I could have done myself and made more money.  But, I have enough on my plate and at times it’s easier to hire certain aspects out.   Both times, I had the freelancer come back with their strict terms and give me rates which I knew were pretty high for their experience and knowledge level.  In their defense, I should have been more precise when giving the expectations on the project but with each project, I assured them along the way that I would take care of them like always and not run them over.  After all, I want to build relationships not make a quick buck.  Maybe it’s just me, but when they gave their demands, it left a bad taste in my mouth and made me think.  They are talented but also need to realize their place.  I would assume when working at McDonalds you wouldn’t tell your boss how much you charge to work there and what you will or won’t do while working.  I look at freelancers the same way.  I know it’s a 2 way street and you have to be clear about what you offer (I do some freelancing myself and try to live this out) but please do this before you begin working with them.  Always try and communicate as much as possible before, during and after the project to maintain a positive relationship and hopefully continue to get more work.  I continually see beginners or freelancers who want immediate respect and expect a huge hourly rate.  Most companies that hire freelancers won’t hire that type of person again until the freelancer understands the process and that making demands won’t make a difference.  Be humble and play nice with others.

Being on both sides, I decided to write expectations on both sides.  Feel free to learn from these, add to these and comment on this post.

Bosses:
-Please be clear on what you expect
-How much you pay
-The time each portion needs to be completed
-Extra editing and how the review process works on your end and the freelancers side
-Who owns the rights of the project
-Stay in communication throughout the process (don’t assume everything is ok, if you don’t hear from the freelancer)

Freelancers:
-Don’t talk down to the people hiring you and make demands.  You might not have all the facts, experience or knowledge about the topic.
-Either say yes and do the job or turn it down and find another project.
-Do great work in a timely fashion and you will continue to get more work.
-Talk through the review process with your boss and what charges you expect (they may not have this in the budget but will let you know before the project starts, not during)
-Don’t get cocky
-Keep in mind if you are a beginner or in college, you may need to learn the ropes at a cheaper rate.  Remember, everyone started at that level and gradually increased their rates.  Don’t assume you can start off at $200/hr if you are fairly new in this field.

So again…learn to play nice with others regardless if you are the boss or a freelancer.

Filed Under: Video business Tagged With: ,
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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

________________________________________________________________________

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Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

______________________________________________________________

Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

________________________________________________________________________

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New Toolkit available

November 3, 2008 By Leave a Comment

I have been working hard the last few weeks to produce a toolkit that will help from start to finish of getting a wedding video to filming the ceremony and reception.

These comprehensive topics will give details on each topic and how to film like a professional. You’ll learn things like:

1)  The Basics of Filming a Wedding
2)  7 Keys to Determine your Pricing
3)  Sample price sheet of how much to charge and what to include
4)  14 ways to market yourself for free
5)  Checklist on meeting with the couple
6)  16 things you should never leave at home when filming a wedding
7)  Checklist on filming the wedding day like a pro.


Find where to get this toolkit by clicking here

This product is great for anyone who wants to learn more, earn more and make the process of filming a wedding video a lot more smooth.  Spread the word.

Filed Under: ebooks, Learning Video, Wedding Video Tagged With: , ,
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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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Tilt Shift

October 21, 2008 By Leave a Comment

I had a meeting last week with several other media professionals and we got on the topic of Tilt Shift and using it in video.  If you haven’t seen it, then click on the link at the end of this post…it’s amazing. Keith Loutit does a great job with this video.  Using a special lens, you can change the perspective and make it look like scale models. When you first look at the photo or video, you will think the image is not real but the more you study it, the more details you can distinguish.  It blew my mind.

How could this be used in your video?  Great question.  That’s what our media team was discussing.  It could be used in a lot of ways to show a unique perspective to the viewer.  The more you can keep your viewer guessing, the more they will stick around and come back for more.  Don’t you watch the commercials on T.V. when you are interested?  Don’t you turn the boring commercials?  If you can use this effect to keep your viewers guessing, and find a way to monetize the video, then you have a million dollar idea.  The possibilities are up to you.

I thought I would throw this post up quickly to see what you all thought of it.  Tell me in the comments how you could use this in a video to capture a scene and make money!

Click here to see link.

Filed Under: Video business Tagged With: ,
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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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3 Ways to ensure success with your video company.

October 15, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Last Friday I had the privilege of filming a wedding.  This time, it was for a close friend.  It means so much to me when I get to capture a wedding on video for a friend.  This couple is so encouraging and with God’s help will continue to encourage people for decades to come.  Even though I work hard when filming anything, I put an extra touch into weddings where I know the couple, family or situation.  It becomes more than a job when I have a relationship with the couple.

Most people that get into the “wedding video biz” start by filming friends and family weddings.  Since you know the couple and you are trying to get started, go the extra mile.  Don’t get picky with staying an extra 15 minutes, even though it says in your contract that you won’t stay past 10pm.  The little you do for free, will come back to you in referrals.  Here are 3 ways to insure succes with your video company.

1. Network: Tell as many people what you do and find common services that can recommend your video services.  You have to get your name and company out there for people to pay you.  Set up a basic website, use Facebook, talk to friends and family, go to networking meetings in your area.  Go to the “products” page and in the coming weeks I’ll have some info to purchase on how to market yourself (for free).  Don’t forget to think about areas that other videographers won’t (see my ebook on the products page).  If you are sitting at home wondering why people aren’t calling you with work, then you need to get out and talk to some businesses.  People do business with people they know and trust.

2. Go the extra mile: Don’t be lazy, overly picky or rude when starting your business (or once you are successful!).  Remember, your clients are making you successful and you need them to refer you to anyone.  You can be picky about the weddings you film (especially if you only film beach weddings, high end weddings or any other niche) but don’t be picky and tell the couple all the things you don’t do (“I don’t go to the rehearsal. I don’t go to film the bride getting ready.  I don’t stay longer than 2 hours for the reception.”)  I’ve heard some crazy things the videographer tells the couple.  Go the extra mile and it will come back to you.

3.  Quick turn around: It’s easy to get lazy once the wedding is done and you’ve gotten paid.  But, you still have the editing to do.  Make it a goal to get the DVD back to the couple by the time they get back from the honeymoon.  That’s my goal.  When I first started I would wait a few weeks but then I would procrastinate and never “feel” like finishing the wedding.  It’s best to just get it done and into the hands of the anxious couple.  Most wedding photographers aren’t able to offer quick turn around so if you can hand the DVD to the couple a few days after they get back from the honeymoon, you will look like the best business person EVER!  They will tell all their friends/family about you and your video services.

So there you have it.  Get people to know who you are, your work ethic and that you offer quick turn around and you will have customers lining up.

Tell me what you think in the comments…

This site is loaded with helpfull tips and updated frequently with new products and ideas.  Subscribe to this blog so you can improve your video.

Filed Under: Video business, Wedding Video Tagged With: , ,
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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

______________________________________________________________

Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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The Biz…gotta love it

September 17, 2008 By Leave a Comment

I filmed a wedding the other week (not a big deal since I am a videographer) and I again was encouraged by the amount of people wanting to be on camera and asking what I do. They were intrigued by the fact that I own my own company and work when I want and for whom I want. They were impressed by my camera as well as my audio equipment. I always tell people that a great investment is a good looking camera. You don’t have to know how to use each button and feature at first but people will respect you more when you have a decent camera.

I was also reminded of setting up before the wedding so no surprises happen. At the last minute I was asked to put a personal camera on stage. I usually don’t do these last minute things but since I knew some of the people involved in the wedding, I obliged. If I had guessed where everyone was standing, I wouldn’t have put the camera in the right place but since I had done the homework and asked the right people, I knew where to put the camera so it would get great placement.

Just remember, do what you love and keep the dream alive that you can start, run and succeed at owning your own video production company. Even if it’s only on week nights and weekends.

Filed Under: Video business Tagged With: ,
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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

______________________________________________________________

Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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How to price your video…and make the money you want.

September 16, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Pricing is the best part of the job. You can literally make what you want to make regardless of where you live. I would say, if you’ve never filmed a wedding, to keep it under $1000 (at least for your first wedding). Search online around your area to see what others are charging. Remember, their will always be “cheap” and “discounted” wedding videographers in the area but they will always stay in those price ranges. Once you set a price and the word gets out, it’s hard to up your fees. The best time to do that is when weddings are slow which is usually around January through February. I have met people who filmed weddings at under $500 and have never been able to raise their rates because they attract the kind of people who will only pay for a $500 wedding video. Your prices reflect your clients pockets. Are they the type of client who will pay anything for the wedding or are scraping by and trying to find the cheapest deal. If you have a couple who complains about your price, remind them that they will be able to watch this forever and you can’t put a price on the memory (don’t get too cheesy or they won’t book you).
If your plan is to get into the market with cheaper prices ALWAYS put the full price (let’s say $800) and give them a 50% discount. That way, if anyone asks you can tell them that you charge $800. Like I said before, it’s hard to bump up your prices once you are labeled a “discount” videographer. Your reputation follows you.
So, it’s up to you…what do you want to make and what type of clients do you want to work with? Look for future posts about finding Clients (which are good) and Grinders (which will waste your life away).

Filed Under: Video business, Wedding Video Tagged With: , ,
center;">________________________________________________________________________

Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

______________________________________________________________

Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

________________________________________________________________________

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Confidence

August 28, 2008 By Leave a Comment

In wedding videos there is one thing that separates the people who make money and those that don’t. It’s confidence. Most wedding videographers create the same product but one charges well under $1000 and the other starts his basic package at $1000. Confidence will put money in your pocket. I have seen almost exact wedding packages, demos, and websites yet one will charge double or triple what the competitor charges. Is it because of experience, equipment, location, length of editing, or some other mystery? I say, it all boils down to confidence.

Agree or disagree?  How does experience fit into this equation?

Filed Under: Wedding Video Tagged With: ,
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Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

______________________________________________________________

Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

________________________________________________________________________

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Presentation

August 26, 2008 By Leave a Comment

It’s all about presentation in the video business.  It doesn’t matter, if you are pursuing your first video contract or if you are a seasoned veteran, you still need to focus on presentation.  My first paying gig with my brand new video company (at the time) was for a local car dealership.  We didn’t own a camera or even a pro editing program but we presented our vision and let them know we weren’t filming another commercial but giving them an identity.  They didn’t know we were camera-less and they didn’t know our editing program was about $100 but our presentation both personally (how we carried ourselves) as well as our vision, was on point.  We came across as professionals who knew what we were doing.  Thankfully we were able to hire a cameraman and the editing didn’t need special graphics, etc.

Please make sure you keep your presentation at its highest with how you dress, act, and deliver your vision regardless if you are selling your services for: corporate, commercials, weddings, music videos, short films, etc,

Don’t wear shorts, nasty tee-shirt and a half beard to the meeting and expect them to take you seriously.  You look like you are in college.  Keep in mind you have to play the part.  Some would say, “fake it till you make it”.  I would say, use presentation to leverage yourself and grow your video business.

What do you think?

Filed Under: Video business Tagged With: ,
center;">________________________________________________________________________

Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

______________________________________________________________

Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

________________________________________________________________________

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Secrets of the video production trade

August 22, 2008 By Leave a Comment

I just met with a fellow video producer today that has his own company and is expanding his reach.  He started in live events and weddings and has moved to corporate weddings.  I’ve noticed most professional videographers take that coarse.  Interesting.

Here is a secret of landing that big contract with the large company.  Let’s say you are working with company X and they are a medium size company with no marketing/video branch.  If come right out and tell them you will create a video for $20,000 (or $10,000 or even $2000) always tell them what the “big companies” are charging.  “They usually charge $50,000+ for this scope  of work.  Since I am a smaller company and am more nimble, I can cut costs while still creating a great video”.  When they drop their jaw at $50,000 for a video and you mention, $20,000 for the same video, your price will seem great.  But, if you drop your price right away, they may be expecting to pay half that ($10,000 or less).  It’s only a perception thing but it helps.  Make sure you lay out the benefits to the video and how it will: 1) save them money 2) earn them money 3) inform their customers or 4) train their employees…  You get the idea.

What do you think?

Filed Under: Video business Tagged With: , ,
center;">________________________________________________________________________

Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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Tell me what you think!  What do you do to insure the wedding video looks AND sounds great while shooting outside?  Leave your comments below.  

______________________________________________________________

Do you want to learn how to grow your wedding video business?

Check out these audio tutorials:

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